MP EXPRESSES FEARS FOR RURAL POST FROM NEW CONSULTATION

SEEKS VIEWS OF ANGUS CONSTITUENTS 

Angus MP Mike Weir has expressed concern over the future of postal deliveries in rural areas from a review of exceptions to the obligation for daily deliveries being carried out by the Postal Regulator Postcomm.

At present there are exceptions to the duty of daily deliveries if a property is more than seven minutes travel from a main road along an unadopted road. The changes will mean that the exception can also apply to groups of properties and whether the road or track is adopted or not.

Commenting on the proposals Mr Weir said it could have a serious impact on many rural areas of Angus.

“There are many properties in Angus, particularly in the Glens, where properties lie some way along tracks or estate roads. Not all of these are old properties and this change could even impact on some relatively new properties.”

“This is yet another attack on the postal service in rural areas like Angus and shows what a joke the government’s assurances on the universal service obligation is becoming.  Sub post offices remain under threat and if a significant number of properties are excluded from daily deliveries it will be yet another blow to rural Angus.”

Mr Weir is seeking views of constituents who fear they might be affected by the proposed changes.

“Postwatch Scotland , the consumer body for postal services, is seeking views on the consultation and I would intend to make a submission to them. I would like to hear from those who feel they might be affected and how any such change would affect them.”

Anyone wishing to contact Mr Weir on the matter can do so through his offices in Forfar , Arbroath and Montrose or by email to weirm@parliament.uk . Details of the proposals can be seen here .